Media release

Two Nominees Named For UVic Chancellor

Members of the University of Victoria convocation have named two nominees for chancellor in an election that will be conducted by webvote and paper balloting from May 20 to June 20.

The nominees to become UVic’s 10th chancellor are Dr. Jim Dutton and Murray Farmer.

Dutton is a retired cardiovascular-thoracic surgeon who has served as chief of cardiac surgery and heart health for the Vancouver Island Health Authority. He practised in Victoria for 28 years after completing his surgical training at McGill University. He has also been a lecturer and clinical advisor for the Island Medical Program at UVic.

Farmer graduated from UVic in 1968 and is a Victoria business leader known for his volunteer work with numerous community organizations. Nominated by the UVic Alumni Association, he currently serves as chair of the UVic board of governors and was the 2007 recipient of the association’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Lifetime Achievement.

Three members of senate have been elected by acclamation: Betty Clazie, Larry Cross and Gail Flitton.

The new chancellor and senators will hold three-year terms commencing January 1, 2009.

Eligible voters in the election of the new chancellor are: UVic alumni, past and present members of the university’s governing bodies, regular and retired faculty members, regular staff members (with a university degree and with at least 12 months service), and former students of Victoria College who completed one full year of studies prior to 1963.

The chancellor is the titular head of the university, confers degrees, and serves on the board of governors and senate.

Chancellor Ron Lou-Poy, first elected in 2002, completes his second term on December 31.